The defending champions missed the Cup semi-finals after finishing second in Group C, despite beating India and later defeating Hong Kong in the Plate semi-final.
HONG KONG — WEB DESK: Pakistan have been knocked out of the main Cup competition at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 after finishing second in Group C, ending their hopes of defending the title and securing a seventh championship.
The defending champions missed out on the Cup semi-finals despite defeating arch-rivals India in their second group match. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) claimed the group’s only qualifying position after winning both of their fixtures.
Defeat against UAE proves costly
Pakistan’s campaign suffered an early setback against the UAE on Friday, October 30.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 106 for three in their allotted six overs, with captain Abbas Afridi scoring 53.
However, the UAE successfully chased the target on the final delivery to secure a one-wicket victory, leaving Pakistan needing a strong result in their remaining group fixture.
Pakistan bounce back against India
Pakistan responded with a convincing performance against India.
After restricting India to 88 for five in six overs, Pakistan completed the chase in just 3.5 overs, reaching 91 for two.
Khawaja Nafay scored 41, while Abbas Afridi contributed 35 to help Pakistan secure an eight-wicket victory. The Express Tribune+1
The win, however, was not enough to take Pakistan into the main Cup semi-finals.
The UAE secured first place in Group C by winning both matches, including their emphatic victory over India. Under the tournament format, only group winners advanced to the Cup semi-finals, while second-placed teams moved into the Plate competition. The Express Tribune+1
Pakistan defeat Hong Kong to reach Plate final
Following their elimination from the main Cup race, Pakistan faced hosts Hong Kong in the Plate semi-final on Saturday.
Hong Kong scored 106 for three in six overs, with Nizakat Khan making 38 off 10 deliveries and Anshy Rath contributing 37 from 15 balls.
Pakistan chased the 107-run target in 4.3 overs. Abbas Afridi led the response with an explosive 55 from 13 deliveries before retiring hurt. Khawaja Nafay added 34 from 10 balls, while Abdul Samad scored an unbeaten 17 from four deliveries.
The victory secured Pakistan a place in the Plate final against Oman. The Express Tribune+1
Main title defence comes to an end
Pakistan entered the tournament as defending champions and six-time winners. Their defeat against the UAE proved decisive in their attempt to reach the main Cup semi-finals.
Although the team recovered with victories over India and Hong Kong, those results could not restore its position in the main title competition.
Pakistan will now compete for the Plate title, with the main Cup trophy no longer within reach.
